The most noticeable difference is the totally revamped administrator, which is updated to a modern design with many simpler and more friendly user-interfaces. Also, Joomla 3.0 is now mobile friendly and can be used with any modern device.

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{{:What are the major differences between Joomla! 2.5 and 3.0?}}

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In addition, there are dozens of improvements to the details of all of Joomla, such as a new installer which you will notice when creating a new Joomla 3.0 install. Finally, Joomla 3.0 is packed with goodies for extension developers, such as Bootstrap support and jQuery support.

+

==[[How long is each Joomla! version supported?]]==

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{{:How long is each Joomla! version supported?}}

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==I'm building a brand new site. Should I launch a Joomla 2.5 site or a 3.0 site?==

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==[[Should I launch a Joomla! 2.5 site or a 3.0 site?|I'm building a brand new site. Should I launch a Joomla! 2.5 site or a 3.0 site?]]==

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Launch a 2.5 site if you want the most stable that Joomla has to offer and/or possibly if you plan on using many extensions. Launch a 3.0 site if all the extensions that you plan to use are Joomla 3.0 compatible. Only some template providers or the extension vendors will be ready for Joomla 3.0 at launching, however most will not be ready until days, weeks or months after. (See the “How do I find Joomla 3.0 compatible extensions?” FAQ for more information)

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{{:Should I launch a Joomla! 2.5 site or a 3.0 site?}}

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==If I launch a Joomla 3.0 site, will I be able to install extensions?==

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==[[If I launch a Joomla! 3.0 site, will I be able to install extensions?]]==

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Yes, you will be able to install extensions compatible with Joomla 3.0. The [http://extensions.joomla.org Joomla Extension Directory (JED)] will have Joomla 3.0 compatible icons to know which extensions are Joomla 3.0 compatible; however, the best place to check is the developer’s site.

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{{:If I launch a Joomla! 3.0 site, will I be able to install extensions?}}

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==How do I get a Joomla 3.0 template?==

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==[[How do I get a Joomla! 3.0 template?]]==

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Some template companies will be offering Joomla 3 templates either right away or shortly after release, but you will need to ask each one. Some have already announced that their templates will be ready for Joomla 3 when it is released, but others have not.

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{{:How do I get a Joomla! 3.0 template?}}

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==How do I find Joomla 3.0 compatible extensions?==

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==[[How do I find Joomla! 3.0 compatible extensions?]]==

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Visit [http://extensions.joomla.org Joomla Extension Directory (JED)], which will have Joomla 3.0 compatible icons to let you know which extensions are Joomla 3.0 compatible; however, the best place to check is your extension developer’s site.

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{{:How do I find Joomla! 3.0 compatible extensions?}}

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==Will my Joomla 2.5 extensions work with Joomla 3.0?==

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==[[Will my Joomla! 2.5 extensions work with Joomla! 3.0?]]==

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Extensions that are native to Joomla 2.5 should work on Joomla 3.0 with very little change, if any. Components and templates will need the most work, while modules and plugins should work without issue (assuming they do not use deprecated methods). Extensions that support Joomla 2.5 and 1.5 in the same package will likely not work right away, until the developers update them for Joomla 3 compatibility.

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{{:Will my Joomla! 2.5 extensions work with Joomla! 3.0?}}

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In short, it depends on the extension. The Joomla Project has made the process relatively easy for most extensions, however for some extensions it’s going to take some work. To be certain, let the developers of the extensions know that you want to use their extension on Joomla 3 and consult with their documentation.

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==[[What if an extension only works on Joomla! 2.5 and not 3.0?|What happens if I launch a Joomla! 3.0 site, but the extension I want is for a 2.5 site?]]==

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{{:What if an extension only works on Joomla! 2.5 and not 3.0?}}

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==What happens if I launch a Joomla 3.0 site, but the extension I want is for a 2.5 site?==

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==[[Should I update from Joomla! 2.5 to 3.0?]]==

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You need to speak with the extension developer to see if they have plans to release for Joomla 3 in the immediate future. Developers do have to make some changes but how extensive they are depends on the extension.

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{{:Should I update from Joomla! 2.5 to 3.0?}}

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==Should I update from 2.5?==

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==[[Why is my Joomla! 2.5 site update manager showing an update to 3.0?|I have a 2.5 site and I see a that the Joomla! update manager lets me upgrade to 3.0; should I do it since it’s letting me?]]==

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In most cases, probably not. Joomla 2.5 will continue be supported until spring of 2014 and you can update directly to Joomla 3 once it’s tried-and-tested thoroughly by other users. You can even wait until Joomla 3.5 which will be released in a year from now and still get a direct upgrade. The only reason you should update is if you need Joomla 3’s features or want to be on the leading edge.

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{{:Why is my Joomla! 2.5 site update manager showing an update to 3.0?}}

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==I have a 2.5 site and I see a that the Joomla update manager lets me upgrade to 3.0; should I do it since it’s letting me?==

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==[[What’s next after Joomla 3.0?]]==

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Not unless you’re 1000% sure. By default, Joomla will not let you update to 3.0 unless you activate the option within the Joomla! Update component (administrator >> Component >> Joomla! Update >> Options >> Update server >> Short Term Support). If for some reason you’ve changed this, and you’d like the updater to stop letting you upgrade, change the setting to Long Term Support. After making this change, you’ll only receive updates for Joomla 2.5.

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{{:What’s next after Joomla 3.0?}}

−

==What’s next after Joomla 3.0?==

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==[[How do I upgrade to Joomla! 3.0?|Okay, I’m ready and want to upgrade. How do I do the upgrade?]]==

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In 6 months, Joomla 3.1 will be released. If you’re on Joomla 3.0, you will need to upgrade to 3.1 at that time using the one-click upgrader. If you’re still on Joomla 2.5, you can continue to wait until Joomla 3.5 and still get a direct upgrade.

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{{:How do I upgrade to Joomla! 3.0?}}

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==Okay, I’m ready and want to upgrade. How do I do the upgrade?==

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==[[How do I upgrade from Joomla! 1.5 to 3.0?|But what if I’m on Joomla 1.5. Will my site break? Do I migrate to 2.5 or 3.0?]]==

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*First, review the [http://www.joomla.org/technical-requirements.html system requirements] for Joomla 3.0 and make sure that your server environment meets those requirements.

*Third, consult a trusted developer if you’re not 100% certain about anything.

+

−

*Fourth, create a test site and test the upgrade on the test site first.

+

−

*Fifth, make a full backup of your site (files and database).

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−

Once ready, go to the Joomla! Update component. Click on options and change the setting to Short Term Support. Save. You should be notified of the availability of Joomla 3.0. Click the button to install. Clear your browser’s cache to make sure you see the latest changes. That’s it!

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==[[Where can I get more information about Joomla! 3?|OK, final question. Where can I get more information about Joomla 3?]]==

+

{{:Where can I get more information about Joomla! 3?}}

−

Finally, double check and make sure that everything is working properly.

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We hope you enjoy Joomla 3 as much as we do! Thanks for reading this FAQ.

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Note: On some hosts you may need to use alternative update methods such as using the extensions installer.

+

<big>'''FAQ Contributors:'''</big>

−

==But what if I’m on Joomla 1.5. Will my site break? Do I migrate to 2.5 or 3.0?==

+

Gary Jay Brooks,

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Support for Joomla 1.5 is officially about to end. Does that mean your 1.5 site will stop working? No, your site will continue to work as it always has. However, Joomla’s developers will not be releasing new versions for Joomla 1.5, so you won’t be getting bug fixes or security fixes. For this reason, it’s recommended to migrate from 1.5.

+

Nick Savov,

+

Elin Waring,

+

Jon Neubauer,

+

Guillermo Bravo

+

+

<big>'''FAQ Reviewers:'''</big>

−

Moving from 2.5 to any Joomla 3 version is relatively simple, since Joomla has made the process easy for newer versions. Unfortunately, moving from 1.5 is not a trivial task. Fortunately, there are two good extensions that make the process easier: [http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/migration-a-conversion/joomla-migration/11658 jUpgrade] and [http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/migration-a-conversion/joomla-migration/15609 SP Upgrade].

+

Sully Sullivan,

−

+

Michael Babker,

−

You have a choice of going straight to Joomla 3.0 or going to 2.5 first. Both [http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/migration-a-conversion/joomla-migration/15609 SP Upgrade] and [http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/migration-a-conversion/joomla-migration/11658 jUpgrade] have versions ready for both versions. Please consult with their documentation on how to migrate from Joomla 1.5 to 3.0/2.5.

+

Andrea Tarr,

−

+

Mark Dexter,

−

Migrate to Joomla 3.0 if all the extensions that you plan to use are Joomla 3.0 compatible. Only some template providers or the extension vendors will be ready for Joomla 3.0 at launch, however most will not be ready until days, weeks or months after. (See the “How do I find Joomla 3.0 compatible extensions?” FAQ for more information)

+

Brian Teeman

−

+

<noinclude>[[Category:Version 3.0 FAQ]]__NOEDITSECTION__</noinclude>

−

Migrate to Joomla 2.5 if you want the most stable that Joomla has to offer and/or if you plan on using many extensions.

<translate> The most noticeable difference is the totally revamped administrator, which is updated to a modern design with many simpler and more friendly user-interfaces. Also, starting with Joomla! 3.0, Joomla! is now device responsive. Simply, Joomla! is mobile friendly and can be used with any modern device. </translate>

<translate> In addition, there are dozens of improvements to the details of all of the Joomla core. Some highlights are: </translate>

<translate>

A new installer which you will notice when creating a new Joomla! 3.x install.</translate>

<translate>

Joomla! 3 is packed with goodies for extension developers, such as Bootstrap support and jQuery support.</translate>

<translate> Joomla! 2.5 reached EOS (end of support) the 31 Dec 2014. That means that since that day it will recieve no further attention or support from the Joomla! Project. No more maintenance or security releases. So you should not start a new site with Joomla! 2.5, but always Joomla! 3.3 or greater. </translate>

<translate> Sites that are currently on Joomla! 2.5 are encouraged to start planning now for a migration to 3.3 or greater now. We’ve provided a one-click upgrade from Joomla! 2.5 to any Joomla! 3 version and you just have to make sure that all your extensions and template are compatible before upgrading. See Planning for Mini-Migration - Joomla 2.5 to 3.x (See the “How do I find Joomla 3.x compatible extensions?” FAQ below for more information) </translate>

<translate> See also: Why Migrate and all the related pages.</translate>

<translate> Yes, you will be able to install extensions compatible with Joomla! 3.x. The Joomla! Extensions Directory™ (JED) will have a compatible icon to know which extensions are Joomla 3.x compatible; however, the best place to check is the developer’s site. </translate>

<translate> Template companies are offering Joomla! 3 templates at present, taking advantage of Joomla! 3's responsive design. Also, please note that some Joomla! 2.5 templates will work in Joomla! 3 without any issues or any changes needed, but some will not. It's best to consult with the template's developer on this. </translate>

<translate> Visit Joomla! Extensions Directory™ (JED), which will have compatible icons to let you know which extensions are Joomla 3.x compatible; however, the best place to check is your extension developer’s site. </translate>

<translate> Extensions that are native to Joomla! 2.5 should work on Joomla! 3.0 with very little change, if any. Components and templates will need the most work, while modules and plugins should work without issue (assuming they do not use deprecated methods). Extensions that support Joomla! 2.5 and 1.5 in the same package will likely not work right away, until the developers update them for Joomla! 3 compatibility. </translate>

<translate> In short, it depends on the extension. The Joomla! Project has made the process relatively easy for most extensions, however for some extensions it’s going to take some work. To be certain, let the developers of the extensions know that you want to use their extension on Joomla 3 and consult with their documentation. </translate>

<translate> You need to speak with the extension developer to see if they have plans to release that extension for Joomla! 3 in the immediate future. Developers do have to make some changes but how extensive they are depends on the extension.

<translate> In most cases, you will need to start planning on an upgrade to Joomla! 3.x ASAP. Joomla! 2.5 has reached EOS (end of support) as of December 31st of 2014. Joomla 3 is stable and should be the choice for production sites. </translate>

<translate> You will need to verify your template and components will work with Joomla! 3.x before upgrading. All core components are upgrade ready right now. </translate>

<translate> Please see Why Migrate for more details on migration from 2.5 to 3.x. </translate>

<translate> Not unless you’re 1000% sure. By default, Joomla will not let you update to 3.x unless you activate the option within the Joomla! Update component (administrator >> Component >> Joomla! Update >> Options >> Update server >> Short Term Support). If for some reason you’ve changed this, and you’d like the updater to stop letting you upgrade, change the setting to Long Term Support. After making this change, you’ll only receive updates for Joomla! 2.5. </translate>

<translate> Notice: You should not upgrade from Joomla! 2.5 to Joomla! 3.x unless you are certain that all of your additionally installed extensions (from third party developers), especially templates, are Joomla! 3.x ready or have a Joomla! 3.x version that you can upgrade to. You should only upgrade from 2.5 to 3.x on a development site not on your live site. See Why Migrate and follow the pages for more information on upgrading from 2.5 to 3.x. </translate>

<translate> A quick summary, if you are using any version of Joomla! except Joomla 3.4.0, you should consider updating or migratingASAP! There will no longer be a Long Term Support Version with a .5 designation. The latest version of Joomla is the Long Term Support Version. See Joomla! CMS versions for a listing of current and future releases. </translate>

<translate> Joomla! 1.5 has not been supported for since the end of 2012 and Joomla! 2.5 is EOS (end of support) since 31 Dec 2014. Simply, you should be using Joomla! 3.4.0. </translate>

Third, create a test site and test the upgrade on the test site first.

Fourth, consult a trusted developer if you’re not 100% certain about anything.

Fifth, make a full backup of your site (files and database).

</translate>

<translate> Once ready, go to the Joomla! Update component. Click on options and change the setting to Short Term Support. Save. You should be notified of the availability of Joomla! 3.x. Click the button to install. Clear your browser’s cache to make sure you see the latest changes. That’s it!

Finally, double check and make sure that everything is working properly. </translate>